Lectures

Historical journeys, garden explorations, architectural brilliance and interesting stories are just a few examples of what you will experience while attending one of our intriguing lectures, each complemented by a remarkable visual presentation. Well–known authors, horticulturists, history enthusiasts and other professionals share their knowledge and experience. Each presentation is followed by a reception during which guests mingle with each other as well as the presenter. In some cases, a book signing and sale will immediately follow. Spend a lovely afternoon experiencing something new at Filoli.

Our guests say it best…“Fabulouse presentation!” From the Artists at Continent’s End, The Monterey Peninsula’s Art Colony, 1875–1907” lecture.“Love attending all Filoli lectures!” From Life Lessons from Great Gardens lecture.“Great program, wonderful birthday gift.” From The Matson White Ships lecture.

2016 Lectures

How to Register

Use the link below each class to register or call 650–364–8300, ext. 508, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Refund Policy

Well–known authors, curators and historians share their knowledge and experience. Each lecture presentation is followed by a reception where guests mingle with each other as well as the presenter. In some cases, a book signing and sale will immediately follow. Spend an afternoon experiencing something new at Filoli.

This Grand Ole House — Blueprints to Preservation

Thursday, September 29Guided Tours: 3:30 pm or 4:30 pm
Take a one–hour tour after–hours and explore the House with a trained docent. See first–hand where projects have taken place, discover points of interest and the history that goes with them. Space is limited; pre–registration is required.*

Reception: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Join us in the Visitor and Education Center for appetizers and a glass of wine before the lecture, view the current art exhibit, The Valley of Heart’s Delight, stroll the Garden or take a guided or self–guided walk in the House. Please no food or drink in the House. Reservations are included with your lecture registration.

Lecture: 5:30pm – 6:30 pm
Presenters: Greg Mellberg, Ted Cardoza and Dave Herrington
Construction began in 1915 at the direction of the original owners, Mr. and Mrs. Bourn. This two–part insightful and informative lecture takes you on a journey through time. From architectural design influences and engineering innovations at the turn of the century to the constructions methods used, discover how the grand House at Filoli was originally built and later added onto by its second owners, Mr. and Mrs. Roth. Listen to accounts of repairs and projects taken on after Filoli became a National Trust for Historic Preservation Property such as: the post–1989 earthquake retrofitting, what it took to film movies in the House, removal of the Bourn and Bird porches, ceiling replacements and much more. To compliment this lecture, comparisons with other grand peninsula estates will also be explored. There will be a question and answer session immediately following the lecture. Pre–registration is highly recommended; walk–ins will be taken as space permits.

Fees:
Reception and lecture only: $25 for members; $35 for non–members. Non–member fee includes same–day admission to Filoli. The House will remain open for self–guided tours until 5:30 pm, the Garden will remain open until 6:30 pm.

Ikebana — The Art of Flower Arrangements

Katsuko Thielke is a talented Ikebana artist and Sogetsu instructor, well known for her mastery of weaving techniques of leaves and grasses. She will inspire us with her artful and creative arrangements. Discover how you can incorporate some of the techniques demonstrated into your own designs. Katsuko has published books on weaving techniques and bamboo in arrangements. She is working on two books: one featuring lotus leaves and one palm fronds. She will have books for sale at her lecture, with a small reception to follow her demonstration.

Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) is noted for perfect proportions and dramatic use of negative space. Katsuko Thielke is a local, talented ikebana artist and Sogetsu instructor well known for her mastery of weaving techniques of leaves and grasses. She will inspire us with her artful and creative arrangements. Discover how you can incorporate some of the techniques she will demonstrate into your own designs. Katsuko has written two books; one about Weaving and one about Bamboo. Currently, she is writing two additional books on using lotus leaves and palm fronds in iIkebana arrangements. Following her demo there will be a reception, book sale and signing. Please join us for an enriching afternoon.